Local drivers making their morning commute Monday were greeted
by an electronic sign along the busy stretch of road warning of a
"rogue panda on rampage."

But rest easy, panda-phobes: It was a prank.

The Arizona Department of Transportation-controlled sign near
the intersection of Fort Valley Road and Forest Avenue has been
warning drivers about no left turns at the intersection. But at
some point hackers took control to tell residents to be on the
lookout for an ailuropoda melanoleuca, also known as a giant
panda.

Authorities said there is no cause for concern.

"We want to assure all citizens of Flagstaff that there is no
problem with rogue pandas," said Lt. Ken Koch with the Flagstaff
Police Department.

He does, however, encourage anybody who spots a member of the
endangered species roaming Flagstaff streets to call the police
department.

A passerby reported the hacked sign to police at about 3 a.m.
Monday. The sign was altered late Sunday night or early Monday
morning.

ADOT spokeswoman Mackenzie Nuno said the sign was restored to
its original message by 11 a.m.

She said the agency has no suspects but noted that the hackers
would have needed specialized equipment to change the message on
the sign.

About 500 motorists drive along Forest Avenue during peak
traffic hours, according to the city of Flagstaff.